Gifts for distance learning teachers
A few of my kids' teachers (middle and high school) this year have really gone above and beyond to make distance learning meaningful and really get to know their students this year. My daughter also has a tutor who is just truly amazing (also all via Zoom this year). I really want to do something special to recognize these folks at the end of the school year, but am just not coming up with any great ideas. I suppose an online gift card is never a bad idea, though I am trying to shop local. With that it is hard to think of a local place that would for sure appeal to these folks...... ideas?
I usually buy a bunch of Peets gift cards for my kids to pass out to teachers at the end of the year, but this year that won't be possible.... and for these particular teachers I wanted something more than that.
Parent Replies
I had a similar question around the Holidays as a kinder parent. I just asked my son’s teacher what they would like and got that. The principal suggested teacher-friendly gift cards to give from local businesses near the school including restaurants, cafes even grocery stores that offer them. Many teachers, aides, librarians we haven’t met in person are hard to shop for but educators understand it’s the thought that counts. Everyone was thankful and some gave really heartfelt personal thanks.
This is a lovely idea and something I always like to do as well. I don't know where the school is but what about a local independent bookshop? Pegasus has several locations and carries new and used books. Books,Inc. is a small chain and has a beautiful shop on Shattuck and Vine; Diesel bookstore on College; and not sure if Mrs. Dalloway is still in business. Even Moe's! Berkeley Bowl is a great gift card idea. The gift shop A Priori on Vine near Walnut is a wonderful shop with beautiful, reasonably priced lovely items for the home, bags, earrings, nice cards. (I'm on north side but don't know the south side equivalent). Cole Hardware is a great local shop. Personally, I think that teachers appreciate lots of things but books especially are a treat.
I am a teacher and I agree that the gift cards are a nice thought, but ultimately frustrating. I have a stack of unused Starbucks gift cards because I don't actually like Starbucks. I was given a gift card for a nice sushi restaurant in SF -- I live in Oakland and have a fish allergy. You get the idea -- buying specialized gift cards for someone you don't know isn't always a win. I also think that the idea of giving grocery gift cards is a bit condescending -- if you honestly think I can't afford groceries, than please fight for teacher pay raises. If you want to give a substantial gift, please give cash. If you want to give a meaningful gift, please write a thoughtful letter -- this means so much to teachers.
I gave my kid's resource teacher a DoorDash e-gift card. Then they can pick their restaurant. Send it with a note telling them how wonderful they are and how much you appreciate what they've done for the kids this year.
As an aside, my mother-in-law gave all of us $50 AMC gift cards for the Xmas holidays. She also gave them for birthdays. This was during the pandemic, so someday we will see $3-400 worth of movies. Anyhow, don't do anything like that!